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ETCHINGS SHOPPING |
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States
Of When making an etching that is any more complicated than a linear design, an artist will pull a series of proofs from the plate as he/she progresses. Thus, the first proof will be pulled after the plate is etched just with lines; the second plate will show how the plate looks after aquatinting is added. A new proof will be pulled each time a new color or background effect is added to the plate, or each time a second plate is prepared. Each proof in this series is called a "state", since it shows the various stages the print goes through before the plates are finally ready. None of these proofs count as part of the final printed edition. Shown here are 5 states of a Kathleen Cantin etching called After the Storm. It was created with three plates because of the many colors that went into the final print. For every impression made, each plate is separately inked, wiped and printed by hand. The paper must be carefully positioned on each plate to make sure the colors register correctly. Image size of the final piece is 18 1/2" x 12". (Top) After the artist drew the linear design onto the plate, it was etched repeatedly in acid to get the various line values. The ground was then washed off, and the plate was inked and printed. (Second) Aquatinting was added to the plate to get depth, shadows and tonal value. (Third) A second plate was created to add colors: blue in the sky and green in the land. Both plates were used to create this proof. (Fourth) The blue sky on the second plate was etched again to add more background tones. (Final) A third plate was etched to add yellow and orange highlight colors to the sky and water. The final image was produced using all three plates. |
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Reprinted with permission from Decor Magazine
Unauthorized reproduction or use is strictly prohibited.